Embers from discarded cigar cause of Brunswick house fire

BRUNSWICK -- The embers from a discarded cigar started a two-alarm blaze Sunday night that displaced a family of five, fire officials said Monday.

The fire started in a waste basket in a second floor bedroom around 11 p.m. Sunday, said Chief Steve Willson with Brunswick Fire Company No. 1. Since there was a skylight in the room, flames were coming through the roof when police and fire crews arrived at the fully-involved scene.

The family was home at the time but got out safely, he said.

"Everyone did a good job with putting out the fire," said Willson. Fire departments that responded include Center Brunswick, Pittstown, and Eagle Mills. About 60 people were at the scene at its peak.

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With some false ceilings in the 145 Brunswick Rd. home, it took about one hour to extinguish the majority of the fire and crews were at the scene, with 18-degree temperatures, for about three hours.

Red Cross was contacted to assist with the family including two parents and three children described as being in their teens or early 20s.